Liquid-Resistant SIM Tray Sealing Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electronic devices are vulnerable to liquid ingress through openings such as those for SIM trays and audio modules, which can lead to damage and functionality issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sealing elements with compliant materials like rubber or silicone around these openings to form a liquid-resistant barrier, ensuring that when components like SIM trays and audio modules are inserted, they engage with the enclosure to prevent liquid entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If openings are provided for SIM tray and audio module, then device functionality is improved, but liquid ingress vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing element made of compliant material (rubber or silicone) is positioned around the SIM tray opening and audio module interface. The sealing element includes a first section that engages the enclosure and a second section that engages the SIM tray, forming a flexible barrier that prevents liquid ingress while allowing the SIM tray to be inserted and removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the enclosure and the SIM tray/audio module. It mediates the interaction by providing a liquid-resistant barrier at the interface, allowing functional access while blocking harmful liquid penetration into the internal volume.
2Reliability
If sealing elements are added to prevent liquid ingress, then liquid resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is segmented into a first section and a second section. The first section engages with the enclosure at the opening, while the second section engages with the SIM tray. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific engagement surface and facilitates assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element serves multiple functions: it prevents liquid ingress at the SIM tray opening, provides a barrier at the audio module interface, and maintains structural integrity during SIM tray insertion and removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sealing components for different openings.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents liquid ingress into the electronic device, protecting internal components and maintaining device functionality even in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element having a first section and a second section. The second section can be secured with the SIM tray. In some embodiments, when the SIM tray is inserted into the through hole the first section engages the internal surface such that a liquid is prevented from entering the internal volume via the through hole
Implementation Method 2
a sealing element that engages the audio module and the audio module interface. The sealing element may include a first extension and a second extension. The first extension may engage the audio module interface and the second extension may engage the snout. Also, the sealing element may form a seal that prevents a liquid from entering between the audio module and the audio module interface
Implementation Method 3
a sealing element secured with the button and engaging the enclosure at the through hole. The sealing element may provide a seal against a liquid at the through hole
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device having several modifications designed to prevent liquid ingress into an opening (or openings) of the electronic device is disclosed. For example, the electronic device includes a SIM tray having a sealing element designed to provide a seal at an opening that receives the SIM tray. The sealing element may include a first section and a second section extending from the first section, with the first section designed to bend with respect to (and in some cases collapse onto) the second section. The electronic device may further include an audio module fitted with a sealing element. The sealing element may include extensions extending away from a main body of the sealing element, with some extension designed to engage the audio module, and other extensions designed to engage an audio module interface. The sealing element provides a seal against liquid ingress into the audio module.